Box: June 2021
Of Corse
We continue our summer tour to a less travelled (and less tasted) destination this month – Corsica! Welcome to a land of Vermentino and a host of indigenous red varieties that will be new to many of you. Corsica has a long winemaking history, but it was only after Corsica’s most famous son of a wine makers family (Napoleon Bonaparte) came to power did the islands wines begin to expand their production and exports across France. These wines are described in French as “Sauvage”, or authentic because of their natural and sometimes spicy character – lets discover them together.
It’s in the details… Although hall the white wines this month are dominated by one grape (Vermentino) you will find that each part of the islands coast line brings a different style and texture. The North East of Cap Course brings you more minerals and salt, while the west coast of Patrimonio is softer and more balanced. All have a light straw, yellow colour and like all good summer wines, will go great with white fish, salads and chicken.
The Reds are not what you are expecting. These are not like the Cannonau’s of Sardinia, but closer to the Pinot’s of Burgundy. Light and spicy, white meat, warm weather reds that should be drank slightly cooler than you are probably accustomed to. Look for red and black fruit blends over a moderate alcohol %.
So, set sail for the islands and enjoy something new on the island of Napoleon !
E Prove
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Vermentino
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
An interesting mix of minerals and that light citrus flavour that is the central theme of Vermentino. Pair with white fish, or other sea food for best results.
Patrimonio
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Vermentino
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
My favourite white in the box. A mix of minerals and anis, with a long citrus tail that fills your mouth with a lovely bouquet of sunshine. A perfect summer wine that you will want to have on the table all summer.
Casabianca
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Vermentino
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Look here for a mix of citrus and white tree fruit like pears and red apple. Vermentino is a late harvest grape, and this one had the whole summer to soak up the Corsican sunshine.
Terra Vecchia
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.2
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
This mix of Vermentino and Chardonnay delivers a fuller flavour of flowers and pineapple. A bit longer in the finish, but still light and fruity. Will do well with salmon on the grill.
Casanova
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
The winemaker describes this wine as a bit "savage". Black fruits and a bit spicy, this is a wine of character with a Hachette recommendation (not many Corsican wines do!)
Domaine Terra di i Nostri
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
A mystery and a pleasure. Dark and rusty in colour, with a hint of vanilla and anis on the nose. Pair with cold smoked meats and strong cheese for that sunset in the garden.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
A medium bodied fruity red, that is looking for some salami and cheese for its' tannins to bite into. Look for red fruits and anis flavours.
Adulation
Wine description:
- Country: United States
- Grape: Cabernet Saugvinon
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- vivino: 3.9
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
You may ask "what is this wine doing here" ?, and I have a simple answer. Despite California not being located on Corsica, it is still bloody good ! :-) Classic American Cabernet with a quality, price ratio that deserves our attention - Full and balanced. Its great.